Jigawa Pension Board Disburses N6.2 billion to 2,472 Retirees

By Muhd D Haidar

The Jigawa State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme Board has disbursed over N6.2 billion as entitlements to 2,472 beneficiaries between January and October of this year.

The Executive Secretary of the Scheme, Dr. Binyaminu Shittu Aminu, announced this today during a briefing while beneficiaries of the month of October, at the Pension House, Dutse.

He stated that these benefits were paid as terminal benefits to those who retired from service in January, February, May, July, and October this year, clarified that the payments covered retired staff from state and local government councils, as well as Local Education Authorities (LEAs). “The amount was distributed as retirement benefits, death pensions, and death pension balances to the 2,472 beneficiaries.”

According to Aminu, a total of N4,943,596,071.55 was distributed among 2,002 retirees as retirement benefits. Additionally, N1,123,625,833.01 was paid to 370 families of deceased civil servants as death benefits, and N132,946,281.62 was disbursed to 100 families of deceased pensioners as death pension balances.

“For today’s payment, the Executive Secretary revealed that N1,208,958,995.09 would be disbursed to 484 beneficiaries. This amount includes various payments such as retirement benefits, death benefits, and death pension balances, ensuring comprehensive support for the retirees” He noted.

Breaking down the beneficiaries, Dr. Shittu noted that 182 were from state service, 105 from local governments, and 101 from Local Education Authorities. Specifically, N536,994,261.94 would go to state service beneficiaries, N218,569,517.17 to local government beneficiaries, and N210,531,888.54 to L.E.A beneficiaries.

Dr. Shittu reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the timely disbursement of entitlements, including the payment of monthly pensions on the first day of each month, emphasized the state government’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of its workers, ensuring they enjoy a secure and fulfilling life after service.

He commended Governor Namadi for his support and efforts in improving the scheme since the inception of his administration, urged retirees and active civil servants to continue praying for the government to achieve its objectives and acknowledge the commendable work of the current administration.

On his part, the Jigawa State Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad K. Dagaceri, disclosed that Jigawa State is up-to-date in paying entitlements to retirees, including those who died in active service. He stated, “The board and the state government will continue to ensure the welfare of its workers for better service delivery and well-being of retirees after service.

Muhammad Dagaceri added that Governor Namadi’s administration has injected over N15 billion into the scheme from May 2023 to October 2026, preventing its collapse and instilling confidence among retiring civil servants, extended heartfelt gratitude to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for his steadfast support and transformative reforms.

Comrade Sunusi Alhassan Maigatari, Jigawa State NLC Chairman, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Hazakilu Kore, stated that Jigawa’s pension model is among the best in the country, with over twenty states visiting to learn from its exemplary approach. He expressed gratitude to the state government for the payment of benefits.

“I’m grateful to the government for paying workers their benefits. It’s a big relief for us.” He also commended the Pension Board for its efforts in ensuring timely disbursement and urged the government to continue its support for retirees” the NLC boss said.